Major among four soldiers killed in Jammu and Kashmir

Four soldiers, including a gallantry-award winning Major, were martyred during an encounter with terrorists along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The forces also gunned down two terrorists.

The gun battle in Gurez sector of Bandipora district started around 1 am when a patrol of 36 Rashtriya Rifles spotted terrorists trying in infiltrate near Bakhtor area.

"Infiltration bid was foiled in Gurez sector. Two terrorists were killed. In the operation, one officer and three soldiers were martyred. The operation is in progress", said Colonel Rajesh Kalia, defence spokesman, in Srinagar.

The martyred officer has been identified as Major Kaustubh Rane. The 29-year-old hailed from Thane district of Maharashtra. Major Rane had been awarded Sena Medal for bravery. He is survived by his wife Kanika Rane.

The other martyrs were identified as Rifleman Harmeer Singh, Gunner Vikram Jeet Singh and Rifleman Mandeep Singh Rawat.

"A fierce gunfight was on through the night. In the morning four bodies of the soldiers were recovered. Two militants were also killed," said an officer.